See I know times are hard
Yeah, I mean it from the heart
You're not losing the fight
Love will make it alright
'Cause I've been there, done that
Worn that dress, so you know mama knows it best, hey

Not tryna patronize a little bit
Baby, I empathize I must admit
But I need you to recognize that ain't it
See a change starts today, better wipe those tears away
Some people criticize the way you live
But don't you apologize, or dare submit
Baby, the children's where the future is
See a change starts today, better wipe those tears away

See, I know times are hard (I know it, baby)
I mean it from the heart
You're not losing the fight
Love will make it alright
'Cause I've been there, done that
Worn that dress, so you know mama knows it best, I

Gotta let these children know what time it is
Gotta let these children know what time it is
Gotta let these children know what time it is
'Cause I've been there done that, worn that dress
So, you know mama knows it best

I lived a whole lotta life, I ain't new to this
Lotta lows, lotta highs, I stay true to this
Take my hand, join the ride
You know you'll have it figured out in time (Yeah)

See, I know times are hard (You'll get through it, baby)
I mean it from the heart
You're not losing the fight
Love will make it alright
'Cause I've been there, done that
Worn that dress, so you know mama knows it best, I

Gotta let these children know what time it is
Gotta let these children know what time it is
Gotta let these children know what time it is
'Cause I've been there done that, worn that dress
So, you know mama knows it best, I

Show you how to grow
Show you how to know
Let the children know
What time it is, time it is
Show you how to grow
Show you how to know
Let the children know
What time it is, time it is
Show you how to grow (We got to show the children how to grow)
Show you how to know
Let the children know (Oh, yeah)
What time it is, time it is (Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Show you how to grow (Yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah)
Show you how to know
Been there done that, worn that dress
So you know mama knows it best, I

Gotta let these children know what time it is (What time it is)
Gotta let these children know what time it is (What time it is)
Gotta let these children know what time it is
'Cause I've been there done that, worn that dress
So, you know mama knows it best
I gotta let these children know what time it is (Oh, time it is, yeah, what time it is)
Gotta let these children know what time it is (Right now, oh, what time it is)
Gotta let these children know what time it is (Yes, it is, yes, it is)
'Cause I've been there done that, worn that dress
So you know mama knows it best, I

Show you how to grow
Show you how to know
Let the children know
What time it is, time it is
Show you how to grow (Oh, ah, ah, ah)
Show you how to know (Oh)
Been there done that, worn that dress
So you know mama knows it best, I